Wyoming BioBlitz

June 7 - 9, 2019, Bear River State Park

Wyoming BioBlitz

AN ANNUAL CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAM RUN IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NATURE CONSERVANCY AND AUDUBON ROCKIES

The Biodiversity Institute, Audubon Rockies and The Nature Conservancy host an annual 24-hour Bioblitz event in which teams of scientists, teachers, volunteers, environmental educators, and community members join forces to find, identify, and learn about as many local plant, insect and animal species as possible.

The Annual Wyoming BioBlitz

Audubon Rockies hosted the first BioBlitz in 2008. The Biodiversity Institute joined as a partner in 2014 and has been involved ever since. The BioBlitz is a 24-hour event in which teams of scientists, teachers, volunteers, environmental educators, and community members join forces to find, identify, and learn about as many local plant, insect and animal species as possible.

The Annual Wyoming BioBlitz is Co-hosted by Audubon Rockies, The Nature Conservancy and the UW Biodiversity Institute.

2019 Wyoming BioBlitz at Bear River State Park

Discover a Wyoming gem, survey wildlife, and have a blast with your family and friends! The Wyoming BioBlitz is a free, one-of-a-kind opportunity for families, students, and all nature-lovers to learn about plants and wildlife and help scientists survey them. During this weekend-long event, participants will team up with biologists to search for and document as many plants and animals as possible within Bear River State Park. Download the schedule here.

In addition to contributing to science, the BioBlitz provides a hands-on opportunity to learn from experts. Participants will meet local scientists and learn how they study their subjects. Teachers can also receive two Professional Standards Teaching Board (PTSB) credits for participating. Participants need no experience to participate in surveys, which will include birds, amphibians, plants, and more! Participants of all ages and interests are welcome.

On-site camping is available at no additional cost. Please bring all necessary camping supplies, including tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and camp chairs.

Meals are not included so pack as much food as you will need. You do have the option of purchasing delicious chuckwagon meals for Saturday night and Sunday morning when you register. These meals must be purchased in advance.

Running water is available but you will need to bring reusable water bottles and other containers for your water use.

Bathrooms are available at several areas in the park, including the campsite and registration area. Portable toilets will be made available at survey locations when possible.

PTSB Credits

We offer two Professional Standards Teaching Board (PTSB) credits for teachers participating in the BioBlitz. To receive credits, you must be a PTSB-certified teacher, sign up for the credit by contacting Dusty Downey (ddowney@audubon.org, 504-453-4124), and participate in all activities during the BioBlitz. For more information, contact PTSB credit coordinator Dusty Downey.

FAQs

1. What types of surveys will there be?

Download the schedule here. The types of inventory activities will depend on the species that the scientists are trying to find and document. Different groups will look for birds, fish, plants, invertebrates, mammals, microbes, fungi, etc. Some will be land-based, others require wading in shallow water.

2. Who can participate?

Everyone! Children can participate in inventory activities, but they must be accompanied by an adult. There will also be activities just for children. Teachers can earn 2 PTSB credits.

3. If I have a mobility issue such as using a wheelchair, can I still participate?

Yes, although many of the survey teams will be on trails that may make participation challenging.

4. What should I wear?

You will be outside and in the field, so you should dress accordingly. Layering is highly recommended to make you most comfortable. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect you from potential sun exposure. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan on using the hiking trails.

5. What happens if it rains or there is bad weather?

Nature happens despite the weather. The BioBlitz will take place rain or shine.

Mission

The Annual Wyoming Bioblittz brings together scientists and the public to survey for every type of organism we can find in an area within a couple of days. The BioBlitz will be a weekend-long event in which teams of scientists, teachers, volunteers, environmental educators, and community members join forces to find, identify, and learn about as many local plant, insect and animal species as possible.

Project Navigation

The Biodiversity Institute

The mission of the Biodiversity Institute is to foster the understanding, appreciation and conservation of biological diversity through innovative research, education, and outreach, and by engaging a broad audience in the scientific process.

The Biodiversity Institute works with scientists, resource managers, educators, and the public to further the understanding and conservation of biodiversity. We seek to provide a unique service to Wyoming and beyond by facilitating collaborative research projects, synthesizing and disseminating research, distributing grants, and providing educational, outreach, and citizen science programs for students and the public.